Going Home

Isabella opted to stay two extra nights for the free spa treatment before going home with us. It was hard to leave her Thursday night, but we knew she would be taken care of and needed to stay to get rid of her jaundice. It also gave us a chance to get the house ready for her. She came so early, we were not quite prepared for her at home yet.

Katherine was so excited to pick Isabella up from the hospital. So were we!!!

Sisters!

Katherine was sooooooooooo excited to meet Isabella. She is very sweet to Isabella and wants to hold her, feed her, kiss her and share her toys. So precious.

Isabella is Here!

Isabella decided to come three weeks early! She made her appearance at 1:46pm yesterday. She was 7 pounds, 19 inches, so I'm glad she was early. She is currently in the NICU because of fluid in her lungs, but she should be out in a few hours. So, here are just a few pictures. I'll update more later.

Still here...

We are still here. We've just been a little busy. August was consumed with getting ready for Holly Howard's wedding on August 22. I was the coordinator / director and helped Amber & Holly almost every day. I don't have any pictures of Patrick & Holly together, but here are some others...

Thursday night, we made cookies at our house for the favors. They turned out really cute, but it was after midnight before we finished.While Amber & I were out running last minute errands, the kitchen was overtaken with flour.

Friday, we arrived at church at 9am to begin setting up for the reception and ceremony. It was a long day of setting up tables, ironing tablecloths, bringing in ferns and other supplies from Jen. There were lots of helpers which made it a little easier. Friday night's rehearsal ended up being in the dark. The lights in the sanctuary were struck by lightning. Thankfully we had some lights for Saturday. Sara put a balloon in her shirt to pretend to be pregnant.

Holly had her three sisters as bridesmaids: Lauren, Sara, and Kendall.

The Howards being goofy during picture time. Saturday went very well. The ceremony was smooth, and the reception was beautiful. We were all wiped out when it was over.

The past couple of weeks, we've been getting ready for Isabella: going through Katherine's old clothes, washing bouncer and car seat covers, organizing closets and drawers for the girls to share a room. Katherine likes to sit in Isabella's stroller to watch Veggie Tales. She's even asked to take a couple of naps in Isabella's bed. Pretty cute now - praying that the transition will be smooth for her once Isabella arrives. My official due date is 4 weeks from tomorrow, but like most pregnant women, I wouldn't mind if she arrives early.

10 Years

Andrew & I celebrated our 10 year anniversary last Friday. We went back to The Victoria, a bed and breakfast in Anniston, where we spent our two night honeymoon. There is not much to do in Anniston, but that was just fine. We got lots of sleep, enjoyed the pool and got to eat out a few times. The one adventure we did take was to Mt. Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama. We cheated and drove to the observation tower at the top. Isabella will be here in 2 months. I was not thinking and climbed to the top of the tower. About halfway back down, I thought my legs would give out.

Andrew wants to go to the highest point in all 50 states. This was the second on his list.

Of course, no post is complete without a picture of Katherine. I gave Andrew an IPhone for Father's Day. He has downloaded lots of games for Katherine, and she can stay entertained by herself with them for at least 20 minutes. It's fun to watch her play them, too. Lauren gave her this hat, which she loves to wear even though it's blazing hot outside.

One of the teachers in Katherine's summer class likes to put her hair in pigtails. Katherine calls them "veggie tails." She hasn't quite distinguished them from her movies. I have no idea how the teacher gets her hair up. It's all I can do to get her hair combed in the morning.

Atlanta - July 2009

Our Southcoastal District Conference of The Wesleyan Church was in Atlanta this week. Andrew & Katherine were able to spend time with his family while I attended the conference. Swimming was definitely a big part of the fun. The three older grandchildren, Ike, Ingam & Rose were baptized in the pool by Grandpa (Reverend) Maxey. Thursday night, I was one of three to be ordained. It was a special service. Andrew's family attended, and my parents and aunts & uncles also came for the service.My senior pastor, Joel, and his wife Tracy were there.

Amber & Lauren also drove over. Of course, no picture of Lauren. Some of the choir members from church were also there as delegates to the conference: Mattie Ruth & Leonard, Martha, and Mona. It was so special to have so many of my family and friends present.

On Friday, 15 of us went to the aquarium. Katherine really enjoyed it. Grace, 5, and Katherine, 2, bonded and have fun playing together.

This little video is from after the ordination service on Thursday. Katherine had a big audience so she performed for everyone. We started the video about halfway through "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round," which is one of her very favorite songs. She is quite an entertainer.

Beach 2009

We went to Seacreast Beach, FL for one week and had a great, great, great time. Amber, Brien, Lauren & Kendall were with us for the entire week. Sara & Coy arrived on Wednesday. Katherine loved going swimming every morning with her daddy. She did not appreciate the sand at the beach but was fine if she stayed on a towel. I have included only highlights of the trip. We took A LOT of pictures. There are no captions - too many to write about. Enjoy looking at the pictures and making up your own stories to go along with them!